Coastie

Just got my 67 back with a freshly rebuilt 330 and I want to make sure im treating it right. Normally I rub 10w40 and 87 pump gas in all my classic cars, but they've never had a "fresh" motor or really anything higher than 8.5:1 compression. I haven't had any issues, but want to make sure im not gonna ruin thousands of dollars worth of work.

Sugar Bear

Try to use an oil with sufficient ZDDP/zinc to protect the cam and lifters. Motorcraft diesel 15w-40 has 1000ppm. If your in a moderate to warm climate I'd use it.

Zinc supplement can be added but then it's modifying the chemistry of the oil selected. Is the additive chemically compatible, I don't know.

Others know of a couple of good oils also, they will chime in.

Good luck!!!

Tj Pal

I have a 64 F85 with a well worn 455 that has a flat tappet cam. I use Lucas hot rod and classic 20w50 high zinc oil in it, so far so good. The newer oils do not contain enough zinc to lubricate flat tappet cams. Their are other choices out there, but higher zinc levels are the key for old style engines.

Charlie Jones

I would definetly NOT recommend the use of 87 octane gas in a 330 .
The compression ratio listed in the 67 CSM is a whopping 10.25 to 1 .
Use only premium gas of 93 octane or better .

Oil ? Ask 50 guys , and get 50 different answers .

Ozzie

I have a '55 Olds 88 & a '65 Olds 442; both with original engines. This is a warm climate; hot in the summer. Oil viscosities are 20W-50 or 15W-50. I prefer oils which come with sufficient ZDDP additive for the flat tappets. If it's not, I will supplement. Fuel for both is 93 octane without ethanol from Pure Oil Company. As they both sit more than I prefer, I add a bit of Stabil.

BangScreech4-4-2

I have a '69 4-4-2 with a 400/325 and 10.25:1 compression. I also use the Lucas Hotrod oil with integral ZDDP, but being as the car is driven in a pretty temperate climate I stick with 10W-30. I've noticed a lot of car guys tend to run heavier weights than necessary -- a throwback to the old days when high performance engines had bigger clearances and required higher viscosity, I guess.

Get the highest octane gas you can find in your area -- ethanol-free if it's available. I'm lucky; Chevron markets a 94 octane ethanol-free premium around these parts, but I still have to throw a couple of bottles of octane boost in to keep detonation at bay.

oldcutlass

Valvoline VR1 is my preferred oil. It has everything needed for a flat tappet cam.

deadeyejedi

I use the valvoline vr1 as well . Going to try the 10w40 next oil change in my low compression 455 . I’ve been running 20w50.I won’t use nothing but the 91 octane in all my cars , for me the main reason is it’s non ethanol and stores better over the winters along with fuel stabilizer before winter storage. When I acquired my 72 vert 350 motor it started and ran on the gas that had been sitting in it for well over 20 years . just a testament as to how much better the fuel was many years ago.

11971four4two

I get my 110 octane with lead fuel at Kisch Station
Only 10 miles round trip

w-30dreamin

I use Valvoline VR1 because it has plenty of zinc for the cam,I can also get it local without mail order at Napa,while I'm there I get the Napa gold oil filter that is made by Wix,a high quality filter.
I have a 71 350 and because of the compression it says right on the emissions tag,requires 91 octane or better so I just run 93 octane all the time.

olds 307 and 403

Premium 91 here is non ethanol, finally not ridiculously expensive here. You gain mileage and much less issues from sitting. As said, VR1 is a no brainer for any flat tappet cam, 10W40 is a good choice and for some years the recommended viscosity for the Olds V8.